"I told them, 'Hey, he'd be a perfect fit here,' kind of joking around, and the next thing you knew we traded for Tommy Milone," said Suzuki, who followed his second A's stint last season by signing as a free agent with the Twins.

The A's sent Milone to Minnesota for outfielder Sam Fuldon July 31, the day Suzuki received a two-year, $12 million extension from the Twins.

"I loved it," Suzuki said of the Milone acquisition. "I've had some pretty good success with him as a teammate. The one thing I told them was how great a guy he was. He works hard. He does everything the right way."

Milone has made one start with Triple-A Rochester (one run, seven innings) and is expected to get promoted soon.

Resting Lowrie: Shortstop Jed Lowriewas out of the lineup a third straight day with a bruised right index finger (he pinch-hit in the seventh), but manager Bob Melvinsaid, "It's almost certain he'll start tomorrow."

Lowrie said he'd have played if it was any other finger but noted the index finger is essential for making throws.

"I'm not much of a help on the field if I can't throw the ball across the diamond," said Lowrie, who was hurt Monday when pursuing a grounder. "It's one of those stupid injuries that happens."

Briefly: Sam Fuld ran onto the field prematurely, thinking he was pinch running for Alberto Callaspoin the eighth inning. It was a miscommunication. Melvin wanted Fuld to run for the next hitter, Jonny Gomes, if he reached base. "A little eager," Melvin said. "I think he's got a games (played) clause in his contract." To which Fuld said, "I think I do. But it's irrelevant." ... Kyle Blanks (calf) could begin a rehab assignment this weekend.

A's on deck

Friday

vs. Twins

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Gibson (10-8) vs.

Kazmir (12-4)

Saturday

vs. Twins

6:05 p.m. CSNCA

TBD vs.

Samardzija (2-1)

Sunday

vs. Twins

1:05 p.m. CSNCA

Hughes (11-8) vs.

Hammel (1-4)

A's leading off

Rare double: Eric Sogard doesn't usually make errors or hit homers but had one of each Wednesday. It was his first homer since July 21, 2013. "It is interesting," he said. "Maybe that error got me mad."